Board of Directors

The President provides strategic leadership for SHRM Pine Belt by guiding the Board of Directors, advancing the Chapter's mission, and keeping the organization focused on serving HR professionals throughout the Pine Belt region.

• Leads the Board in setting strategic goals and priorities
• Presides over Board and Chapter meetings
• Oversees Chapter operations and governance
• Supports and mentors Board members
• Represents the Chapter with SHRM and community partners

Allison Dillon is an HR Generalist at Cooperative Energy with 7 years of experience in human resources, and she has been a SHRM Pine Belt member for 7 years. She holds an MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS), is HRCI-PHR certified, and is pursuing her SHRM-CP.

As President, Allison is focused on building a more engaged and collaborative chapter, starting with a strong and active Board. She also aims to expand SHRM Pine Belt's reach across the region and build a foundation that keeps the chapter strong well beyond a single term. She brings organization, consistency, and follow-through to the role, and she wants SHRM Pine Belt to be a resource HR professionals can count on for connection, education, and professional development.

The Vice President is the President's primary leadership partner. This role coordinates the Chapter's Education Committee, oversees the planning and delivery of professional development programs, and steps in for the President when needed.

• Assists the President in leading the Chapter and advancing strategic initiatives
• Coordinates the Education Committee and oversees educational programming
• Supports planning for Chapter meetings, workshops, and special events
• Serves as President in the President’s absence
• Assists with leadership transition and succession planning

Shamena Newell Brown serves as Vice President of Human Resources at 1st Mississippi Federal Credit Union, with 12 years of HR experience and 6 years as a SHRM Pine Belt member. She is passionate about developing people, strengthening workplace culture, and building meaningful professional relationships. She is a member of the Leadership Mississippi Class of 2026.

Shamena developed a three-year HR strategic plan at her organization that aligns people strategy with long-term business goals. On the Board, her priorities are growing membership, increasing engagement, and strengthening professional development, including programs on leadership, employment law, workforce challenges, technology, and AI.

The Past President serves as the Chapter’s historian and a trusted advisor to the Board. Drawing on firsthand experience leading SHRM Pine Belt, this role preserves the Chapter’s history and institutional knowledge, provides continuity between Board terms, and offers guidance to the President and Board as they lead the Chapter forward.

• Preserves the Chapter’s history, traditions, and key milestones
• Shares institutional knowledge to provide continuity between Board terms
• Advises the President and Board on governance, past initiatives, and lessons learned
• Mentors new Board members as they step into their roles
• Serves as a go-to resource on SHRM and Chapter best practices

Kimberly Opiela, MBA, PHR, brings more than 30 years of experience in financial accounting, operations, and human resources. She is the Client Service Leader for Arthur J. Gallagher’s Benefit Services office in Mississippi, where she leads a team of 17 Account Managers supporting clients across the state. She holds an MBA, a Bachelor’s in Accounting, and her PHR certification.

Kimberly has served SHRM Pine Belt as President (2024–2026) and Treasurer, and has contributed at the state level as cVent Chair and Co-Conference Chair. She was named the 2026 Volunteer of the Year by the Mississippi State Council of SHRM and continues to support the Chapter as Immediate Past President.

The Secretary supports effective governance of SHRM Pine Belt by maintaining official Chapter records, documenting Board and membership actions, and making sure meeting proceedings are communicated accurately and on time.

• Records and maintains minutes for Board and Chapter meetings
• Maintains the Chapter’s official records and governance documents
• Prepares and distributes meeting agendas and minutes
• Tracks attendance and official Board actions
• Supports compliance with the Chapter’s Bylaws and record retention practices

Jessica Byrd is an HR professional, U.S. Army veteran, and small business owner with 9 years of HR experience. She serves as Office Manager at Priority Alert and owns Byrd’s HR Consulting, LLC. Her career is rooted in supporting skilled trades and blue-collar workforces, and she believes effective HR should be practical, approachable, and connected to the people it serves.

At Priority Alert, Jessica strengthened the HR function by improving recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, policies, and communication. Her military service shaped her commitment to leadership, accountability, and teamwork. As Secretary, she plans to help communicate chapter events and resources, support practical professional development, and keep Board initiatives organized and on track.

The Treasurer provides financial leadership for SHRM Pine Belt by safeguarding the Chapter's resources, keeping accurate financial records, and helping the Board make sound financial decisions that advance the Chapter's mission.

• Maintains financial records and oversees the Chapter’s accounts
• Prepares and presents financial reports to the Board
• Develops and monitors the annual budget
• Ensures timely payment of authorized expenses and proper handling of funds
• Supports financial compliance, reporting, and annual review

Patricia Norris is HR Director at Citizens Bank, where she has served in the banking industry for more than 28 years, including 15 years in human resources. She has been a SHRM Pine Belt member for 15 years and has served on the Board for 8 years as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and President. She also serves on the boards of several local organizations and stays active in community events.

As Treasurer, Patricia will monitor the chapter's account balances and cash flow, track event expenses and incoming membership dues, and look for ways to reduce costs where possible. She is committed to growing chapter membership and improving the support SHRM Pine Belt provides to HR professionals in the region.

The Membership Director leads the Chapter's efforts to recruit, engage, and retain members, creating a welcoming environment that encourages participation, professional growth, and long-term involvement.

• Develops strategies to recruit and retain Chapter members
• Welcomes new members and helps them become active participants
• Monitors membership trends and makes recommendations to the Board
• Coordinates member recognition and engagement initiatives
• Works with the Board to enhance the overall member experience

Kimberly McRoy, SHRM-SCP, serves as Program Director for the Mississippi Recovery Friendly Workplace Coalition at the MSBA Foundation. Her 30+ year career spans HR leadership, sales and sales management, manufacturing, workforce development, employee relations, benefits, and organizational culture. She also serves on the Advisory Council of the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute.

Kimberly helped lead a workforce transformation at a manufacturing organization facing very high turnover by addressing root causes in compensation, benefits, culture, and leadership, and turnover dropped dramatically. As Membership Director, her goals are to expand and diversify membership across industries and career levels, strengthen engagement, and improve retention by listening to members.

The Marketing & Communications Director leads the Chapter's marketing and communications strategy, promoting SHRM Pine Belt's mission, programs, and member value with consistent, professional messaging across all channels.

• Develops and oversees the annual marketing and communications strategy
• Coordinates promotion of Chapter meetings, programs, and events
• Maintains consistent branding and messaging
• Works with Board members to share Chapter initiatives and accomplishments
• Provides leadership and direction to the Social Media Coordinator

Goldie Berry is an HR Generalist at The University of Southern Mississippi with 3 years of HR experience. She is passionate about talent acquisition, employee relations, and HR operations, and she partners with leaders and teams to build strong workforces and enhance the employee experience.

Goldie partners with hiring managers to fill critical positions while managing multiple recruitment initiatives, keeping a positive candidate experience throughout. On the Board, she plans to increase member engagement, support professional development opportunities, and strengthen community and student outreach.

The College Relations Director builds relationships between SHRM Pine Belt and local colleges and universities, engaging students, supporting emerging HR professionals, and creating pathways into the human resources profession.

• Serves as the Chapter’s liaison to local colleges and universities
• Promotes student involvement in Chapter meetings, events, and education
• Coordinates outreach with student SHRM chapters, faculty, and career services
• Encourages student membership in SHRM and SHRM Pine Belt
• Connects students with HR professionals through mentoring and networking

Quentisha Jones is Director of Human Resources at The University of Southern Mississippi, with 12 years of HR experience in higher education and the private sector and 7 years as a SHRM Pine Belt member. Her experience includes employee relations, EEO compliance, recruitment, compensation, performance management, policy development, and HR operations. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Troy University.

Quentisha has helped lead improvements across HR at Southern Miss while supporting employees, her team, and university leadership through change. As College Relations Director, she wants to build stronger connections with local employers, colleges, students, and emerging HR professionals, and expand networking and professional development opportunities.

The Social Media Coordinator supports the Marketing & Communications Director by managing the Chapter's social media presence, promoting Chapter activities, and engaging members through timely, professional digital content.

• Creates and schedules content across approved social platforms
• Promotes Chapter meetings, educational programs, and events
• Shares SHRM and HR news, resources, and member highlights
• Monitors engagement and responds to inquiries
• Helps grow the Chapter’s online visibility

Courtlyn Carson is an HR Associate at Cooperative Energy and has been a SHRM Pine Belt member for 2 years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management summa cum laude from The University of Southern Mississippi, where she began her HR career as an intern at Cooperative Energy before joining full-time.

Courtlyn is experienced with Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Canva. Her goals are to boost member engagement through polls, member spotlights, and HR discussions; build a consistent posting schedule; and raise chapter awareness by showcasing members, events, and the value of getting involved.